Experience Overview
Jump into India’s vibrant south on this budget-friendly adventure designed for young travellers. Backwaters, beaches, and beer — oh my! Cruise through Kerala’s famous waterways on a houseboat, wander misty tea plantations, and explore the colonial charm of historic port towns. Stroll through ancient ruins, soak up the sun on golden beaches, and experience laid-back coastal vibes with fresh seafood and a cold Kingfisher in hand. From royal palaces to bustling spice markets, this two-week trip blends adventure, culture, and chill time for the ultimate South India escape.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient wonders of the Hampi Ruins
- Catch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from Dodapetta Peak and Anjaneya Temple
- Wander off the beaten path in Mysore with visits to Devaraja Market and Chamundi Hills
- Relax in the calm backwaters
- Experience a local homestay
- Chill out on quiet beaches
- Explore ecosystems aboard an Alleppey ferry cruise
- Sample South Indian cuisine.
Trip Details
Product Code: 33166
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Tuk-tuk, public bus, taxi, overnight train, local train, Private Vehicle.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator: G Adventures
Supplier Code: AHGK
Starts: Goa, India
Finishes: Kochi, India
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Big Night Out Moment: Ooty , Ooty Your Local Living Moment: Alleppey Homestay, Alleppey Your Big Night Out Moment: Kochi Nightlife, Kochi
- Hampi Ruins Walking Tour
- Kishkinda Foundation Visit
- Anjaneya Temple Sunset
- Devaraja Market Visit
- Chamundi Hills Visit
- Monolithic Bull Visit
- Dodapetta Peak
- Dodapetta Tea Factory
- Fort Kochi Visit
- Free time in Hampi
- Free time in Ooty
- Orientation walks in Alleppey, Kollam, and Fort Kochi
- Kerala boat tour
- Morning ferry cruise on Alleppey's backwaters
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (12 nts), homestay (1 nt).
- 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport
- Tuk-tuk, public bus, taxi, overnight train, local train, Private Vehicle.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,189 ($85 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Goa
Arrive at any time and welcome to India's popular beach town - Goa!
Tonight, opt to join your group for a dinner out on the town and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Day 2: Goa/Hampi
Head inland to Hampi on a train this morning. Then jump into a tuk-tuk to the hotel for the next two nights. With free time this evening, opt to catch the sunset or explore Hampi.
Day 3: Hampi
Explore the ancient ruins of Hampi. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the mid 1300's. Rome through the ruins and royal structures. In the afternoon, visit the local women's initiative, Kishkinda Foundation. Meet the women, shop in their handicraft store and have a delicious lunch together.
Day 4: Hampi/Mysore
This morning, opt to rise early for a hike up Mantanga Hill and enjoy a stunning sunrise over the rocky hill. Spend the day at leisure exploring of Hampi what you might have missed the day before. This evening, take a tuk-tuk to the train station for an overnight train to Mysore.
Day 5: Mysore
Pull into Mysore this morning as you wake up on the train. Then drop your bags, freshen up and head out for an adventure in Mysore. Walk through the Devaraja Market, Chamundi Hills and the Monolithic Bull. In your free time, opt to visit the extravagant Mysore Palace. In the evening, you won't want to miss the chance to see a Bollywood movie in your free time.
Day 6: Mysore/Ooty
Take a tuk-tuk to the bus station this morning and join the locals on a public bus south to Ooty. Take an orientation walk with your CEO after arrival and then enjoy some free time in the beautifully green town of Ooty.
Day 7: Ooty
Feel a sense of accomplishment this morning as we rise early for a picturesque sunrise hike up Dodapetta Peak with a view of the lush green surrounding forrest. Enjoy some free time today and opt to ride the famous toy train. In the afternoon, visit the Dodabetta Tea Factory.
Day 8: Kochi
A bus, a train and tuk-tuk ride brings us to beautiful port town of Kochi! Spend the afternoon exploring this super cute city, wandering through the cobblestone streets and vibrant culture. Some new travellers may be joining you this evening. Join your CEO to help welcome everyone this evening.
Day 9: Kochi/Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.
Day 10: Alleppey/Kollam
Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterward, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.
Day 11: Kollam/Varkala
Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterward, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.
Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.
Day 12: Varkala
Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.
Day 13: Varkala/Kochi
Return to Kochi by train and take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or opt to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife. Enjoy a drink on us and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.
Day 14: Kochi
Today is departure day, but do not fear, there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange contacts, and depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
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